Bigstream, a soon-to-be released device for iOS, will provide an incredibly simple way for users to stream their screen output to an external display. It's offering features similar to Apple TV's AirPlay, with some more particular add-ons.

Bigstream plugs directly into the 30 pin dock connector and wirelessly transmits signal to a receiver which is connected to the external display via a composite cable. The company says this reduces latency. Why is this device different from the Apple TV? They're touting that the device can work in tandem with the 2nd gen Apple TV, but Bigstream offers a couple advantages not seen currently on Apple's tiny streaming device.

First, Bigstream requires almost no setup, as the connection is ad-hoc. There's no need to connect to a wireless network, which the company says is great for the device's portability. You can easily use the device in your home and then bring it to a meeting or public place, and Bigstream will work just the same. Second, the device can display video from 3rd-party apps, and because there's almost no latency, it allows users to play games with an input device like another iOS device. The [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viVIRMXxXbY&feature=player_embedded"]demo[/ame] video shot at CES shows an iPad connected via BigStream, being controlled by an iPhone, something not possible at this point with the Apple TV.

The device is $99 on BigStream's web site. They're also offering a device compatibility page to check if your devices will work with bigstream (it will actually work with the iPod nano as well as most iOS devices).

Is there a way to plug in a dock connector into the unit as well? Seems like this thing is going to be a giant battery hog if it runs off the idevice battery

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I once prayed to God for an iPhone, but quickly found out He didn't work that way...so I stole an iPhone and prayed for His forgiveness.

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself. - Josh Billings

Reason I ask is because I've been looking to replace my ugly desktop with a device that can receive streams from my slingbox, hulu, and netflix. I know they're are a lot of devices that can do the later two, but there are not a lot of devices that also do slingbox. With this device, I can get rid of my ugly old desktop and just use my iPad connected to the TV to watch television. Only Issue I have is controlling the iPad but on the video, it shows them using the iPhone for that specific task.

Forget HDMI, this thing isn't even component! This is using sh!tty composite connectors?? I literally laughed when I saw that. I wouldn't pay $99 for anything that still has a 1985 yellow RCA connector on it.. get real dude.

Remember how ****** your N64 and SNES looked when you hooked it up to your HDTV? Yeah.. this thing would look awful. If it was $20 MAYBE.. MAYBE. But this is no replacement for even hooking up Apple's component cable.. I'll stick with the cable, thanks. Call me when you support ANYTHING above analog 480i.

Lastly, the iPad's screen is black during this demonstration. My bet is it can't process video on both the iPad and the TV. On top of that, how would you control it if you were playing something like Angry Birds? You can't see what you're clicking! Even if you did use an iPhone to control it, is it gonna send the video over there so you can see what you're doing? Bet you my lunch money it doesn't. This thing is completely worthless.